Charity number: 1160351
THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 11 |
THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
Trustees Dr Mohammad Soleymani, Chair Prof Jeffrey Cohn Prof Arvid Kappas Dr Tanaya Guha Mandal (appointed 1 February 2020) Dr Gary John McKeown (appointed 1 February 2020) Prof Michel Francois Valstar Dr Julien Epps Dr Bjoern Wolfgang Schuller Dr Khiet Truong Prof Georgios Yannakakis Prof Jonathan Gratch Dr Sidney D'Mello Dr Marwa Mohammed Adel Mahmoud (appointed 1 February 2020) Dr Hatice Gunes Theodoros Kostoulas Dr Joost Broekens
Charity registered number 1160351 Principal office Apartment 101, Warwick Building 366 Queenstown Road London SW11 8NL Bankers HSBC UK Bank plc 31 Euston Road King Cross London NW1 2ST
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year 29 August 2019 to 28 August 2020. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (FRS 102) and the Charities SORP 2015 (SORP 2015).
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The objective and activity of the Charity is 'to advance the education of the public in general on the subject of affective computing and to promote research for the public benefit in all aspects of that subject and to publish the useful results in such ways as the association trustees may determine. affective computing is defined as the study and development of systems and devices that can recognise, interpret, process, and simulate human affects. The Trustees are aware that they must carry on the Charity's activities for the public benefit and that they must pay due regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Strategies for achieving objectives
Membership and community building in the academic field of affective computing Conference organisation and support: IEEE Technical co-sponsorship of the Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction conference series Maintaining a web site and server to support AAAC activities Supporting challenges through prizes Supporting access to AAAC activities, including local and special topic interest groups through bursaries.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
AAAC organises a conference every two years, called “International Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction”. The last conference was help in Cambridge, UK between 3rd - 6th September 2019. The next one will be held virtually between 28th September - 1st October 2021. AAAC holds regular Trustee meetings 2-3 times every year and also holds an election (every 2 years) for the Trustee positions.
During the year the net surplus generated by the Charity was £59,799 (2019: £209). As a result of the surplus achieved, the accumulated reserves of the Charity increased from £23,639 to £83,438 by the end of the year.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
b. Reserves policy
The charity’s reserves policy is that there should be maintained in free reserves a minimum of 12 months' operating expenditure for core activities, plus associated costs should the charity be wound up. The balance sheet at 28 August 2020 meets this target.
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Association for the Advancement of Affective Computing (AAAC) is a registered charity (registration number: 1160351) in the UK. AAAC is also a charity for tax purposes. The Association's objectives are to advance the education of the public in general (and particularly amongst specialists in the field) on the subject of affective computing and to promote research for the public benefit in all aspects of that subject and to publish the useful results in such ways as the Association Trustees may determine.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
Trustees, except for the treasurer are elected for six-year terms by the members of the association. Trustees can stand for re-election and there is no limit on the number of terms they can serve. The treasurer is appointed by the Trustees of the association and there is not term-limit for the treasurer. Trustees attend regular meetings and participate in major decision making. Trustees elect one of their elected members as the chair (president) of the association. The induction process for any newly appointed Trustee comprises of a meeting or meetings which covers the business of the association and powers and responsibilities of Trustees.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ Dr Tanaya Guha Mandal (Trustee) Date: 27/05/2021
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Association for the Advancement of Affective Computing ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 28 August 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Dated: 27 May 2021
Signed: Dated: Sarah Flear Chartered Accountant
Smith Cooper Limited 2 Lace Market Square Nottingham NG1 1PB
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
| Note Income from: Charitable activities 2 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 80,655 80,655 20,856 20,856 59,799 23,639 59,799 83,438 |
Total funds 2020 £ 80,655 80,655 20,856 20,856 59,799 23,639 59,799 83,438 |
Total funds 2019 £ 4,135 4,135 4,344 4,344 (209) 23,848 (209) 23,639 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 28 AUGUST 2020
| Note Current assets Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 7 Unrestricted funds 7 Total funds |
- 85,778 85,778 (2,340) |
2020 £ 83,438 83,438 83,438 - 83,438 83,438 |
16,000 7,639 23,639 - |
2019 £ 23,639 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,639 | ||||
| 23,639 | ||||
| - 23,639 |
||||
| 23,639 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
Dr Tanaya Guha Mandal (Trustee) Date: 27/05/2021
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Association for the Advancement of Affective Computing meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company, and rounded to the nearest £1.
1.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
1.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.4 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.5 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.6 Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.7 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.8 Taxation
The Charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1998 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
1.9 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
2. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2020 £ Membership income 2,193 Conference income 78,462 80,655 Total 2019 4,135 |
Total funds 2020 £ 2,193 78,462 80,655 4,135 |
Total funds 2019 £ 4,135 - |
|---|---|---|
| 4,135 | ||
3. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Charitable activities Total 2019 |
Activities undertaken directly 2020 £ 16,000 - |
Support costs 2020 £ 4,856 4,344 |
Total funds 2020 £ 20,856 4,344 |
Total funds 2019 £ 4,344 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
3. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Charitable activities 2020 Total funds 2020 £ £ Administration expenses 2,516 2,516 Governance costs 2,340 2,340 4,856 4,856 Total 2019 4,344 4,344 Administration expenses include expenditure on awards, IT costs and bank charges. Governance costs include expenditure on the independent examination of accounts. |
Total funds 2019 £ 4,344 - |
|---|---|
| 4,344 | |
4.
Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 2,340 | - |
5. Debtors
| Due within one year Other debtors Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2020 £ - - 2020 £ 2,340 |
2019 £ 16,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | ||
| 2019 £ - |
6. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
7. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds 8. Summary of funds Summary of funds - current year General funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds |
Balance at 29 August 2019 £ 23,639 Balance at 29 August 2018 £ 23,848 Balance at 29 August 2019 £ 23,639 Balance at 29 August 2018 £ 23,848 |
Income £ 80,655 Income £ 4,135 Income £ 80,655 Income £ 4,135 |
Expenditure £ (20,856) Expenditure £ (4,344) Expenditure £ (20,856) Expenditure £ (4,344) |
Balance at 28 August 2020 £ 83,438 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 28 August 2019 £ 23,639 |
||||
| Balance at 28 August 2020 £ 83,438 |
||||
| Balance at 28 August 2019 £ 23,639 |
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 AUGUST 2020
9. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2020 £ Current assets 85,778 Creditors due within one year (2,340) Total 83,438 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2019 £ Current assets 23,639 |
Total funds 2020 £ 85,778 (2,340) 83,438 Total funds 2019 £ 23,639 |
|---|---|
10. Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 28 August 2020.
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